New Year's Eve in New Orleans

Experience New Year's Eve in New Orleans

The holiday season in New Orleans doesn't end on Christmas. It builds to one last night on the riverfront, where crowds gather in the French Quarter to count down to midnight and watch fireworks burst over the Mississippi. Around that countdown, the city spreads the party out: big shows in historic music halls, champagne toasts at the end of long dinners, dance floors on Frenchmen and Bourbon Streets, and riverboats with a front-row view of the sky.

Fireworks on the Riverfront

The city's main New Year's Eve celebration happens at Woldenberg Park, the riverfront green space along the French Quarter. New Orleans Eve is a free, open-air concert with local musicians leading up to the midnight countdown and fireworks over the river.
Woldenberg Park puts you closest to the action. Across the river, Algiers Point offers a wide view of the fireworks over the skyline.
 

Watch From the River

For a different vantage point, the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen and Steamboat NATCHEZ both host New Year's Eve cruises with live music, food, and drinks, and a view of the fireworks from the Mississippi itself.

Book Your New Year's Eve Stay

The French Quarter and downtown fill up fast for New Year's Eve, so book early. Papa Noël hotel deals offer special rates through the holiday season, and if you book two or more consecutive nights this holiday season (including over New Year's Eve) through NewOrleans.com, you'll receive a $100 Visa gift card to enjoy at participating restaurants, bars, and shops throughout New Orleans*.

*Restrictions apply: This offer is available December 1, 2026–January 3, 2027 (or while supplies last). Hotel stays must be booked through NewOrleans.com and must be at least two consecutive nights. See our FAQ section below for more information, restrictions, and common questions.

New Year's Eve Concerts

Some of the city's best music venues save their biggest shows for December 31. This year's lineup includes The Revivalists: New Year's Eve Ball at the Orpheum Theater and Galactic New Year's Eve featuring Jelly Joseph at Tipitina's. At The National WWII Museum, the Victory Swing Orchestra plays the Dine & Dance: New Year's Eve Bash.
Clubs along Frenchmen Street book special New Year's Eve shows, too. Check lineups and buy tickets early, since popular shows sell out before the big night.

Where to Eat on New Year's Eve

Many New Orleans restaurants stay open on New Year's Eve. Some serve dinner around 7 p.m.; others run straight through midnight with a champagne toast. Most offer special prix-fixe menus, and the most popular tables book weeks ahead, so reserve by early December if you have a place in mind.

Noon Year's Eve and Family Celebrations

Kids get a countdown of their own at the Louisiana Children's Museum. Its annual Noon Year's Eve has games, entertainment, and a countdown to noon with balloon and confetti drops and a soda-pop toast. Hats and noisemakers are provided. The riverfront fireworks are free and open to all ages, too.

Plan Your New Orleans New Year's Eve Today

Cocktail attire or blue jeans, a crowd of strangers or a table of old friends: New Orleans has a New Year's Eve for both.